EXPERIMENTATION by RubenE
The twenties and thirties of the last century were times of experimentation with new residential forms. The growth of Rotterdam's population (both blue collar and in general) and it's generally dismal housing conditions was a spur to improve the constructionof new housing. Prompted by new insights into social hygiene, the Municipal Housing Authority strove to improve daylighting, air circulation and the working man's intellectual life. Since the new homes had to be attractive-looking as well as efficient and affordable, Rotterdam architects such as J.J.P. Oud and W. van Tijen proffered radical solutions to the housing problem. The traditional pattern of houses ranged alongside a street was replaced by a new one: dwellings grouped into open urban blocks, parallel strips and high-rise blocks. Technical builing requirements, cost-cutting and the desire for a contemporary look in the homes stimulated the use of new builing materials such as concrete, steel and glass. A combination of idealism and cost-saving motivated the provision of communal facilities, such as washrooms and central heating for the dwellings. Examples:
- De Kossel
- Kiefhoek
- Mathenesserplein
- Bergpoldeflat